Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group, Inc. announced that Chief Administrative Officer Donald M. Himelfarb has announced his retirement effective December 31, following a successful car rental career that spanned over three decades.

Himelfarb will step down from his current position as chief administrative officer on September 1, and will serve in a transitional role through the end of the year. During his 17-year tenure as franchisee of Thrifty's Baltimore location, Himelfarb held several leadership positions on the Thrifty Car Rental National Advertising Committee. In 1990, he became President of Thrifty Canada Ltd., a subsidiary of Thrifty Car Rental.

Under his leadership, Thrifty Canada achieved substantial growth, including entry into all major Canadian airports. In 1992, he was named President and CEO of Thrifty Rent-A-Car System Inc. In December 2002, Dollar Thrifty Automotive Group Inc., parent company of the Thrifty Car Rental and Dollar Rent A Car brands, unveiled a new corporate platform as a single company operating the two independent brands.

From December 2002 through September 2003, Himelfarb served as co-president and COO with Gary L. Paxton, focusing on franchising, marketing and administration.

In a subsequent reorganization, Himelfarb was named Chief Administrative Officer, with major responsibilities for technology, fleet, legal and administrative services.